Geely has launched the new Geely Auto E2 in South Africa, adding a compact all electric hatchback to its growing local line up.
Priced from R339 900, the E2 undercuts most rivals in the passenger EV space and is likely to become one of the country’s cheapest new mainstream electric passenger cars.
The E2 is aimed at buyers looking for an urban runabout with low running costs, while still offering practical space, useful range and modern technology. It is available in two trim levels, Aspire and Apex.
What is it?
The E2 is a five-door compact electric hatchback built on a dedicated EV platform. It uses a rear-wheel-drive layout, which is still unusual in this price bracket, and has been designed primarily for city and suburban use.
Geely’s South African presence has expanded quickly. The brand currently has 32 dealerships locally and plans to grow that to 40 by the end of 2026, giving buyers a wider service and support footprint than many newer Chinese entrants.
At its starting price, the E2 is positioned as one of the most affordable ways into EV ownership in South Africa, especially compared with larger and more expensive imported electric SUVs.
Powertrain:
Both E2 models use the same electric drivetrain. Power comes from an 85kW electric motor producing 150Nm, driving the rear wheels. For urban use, performance should feel brisk, with Geely claiming 0 to 50km/h in 4.6 seconds. The 0 to 100 km/h time is 11.5 seconds, while top speed is limited to 130km/h.
Energy is supplied by a 39.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack. Claimed range is up to 325km on the WLTP cycle, with average energy use rated at 15.2kWh/100 km.
Charging times are competitive for the class. A full AC charge from 10 to 100 percent takes around six and a half hours, making overnight home charging realistic. On a DC fast charger, the battery can go from 30 to 80 percent in about 25 minutes, with a maximum charging rate of 70kW. The E2 also offers vehicle to load functionality to power external devices.
Interior:
Inside, the E2 has a modern, minimalist cabin. All versions get a 14.6 inch infotainment touchscreen and an 8.8 inch digital instrument display, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Bluetooth and 4G connectivity are also included.
Practicality looks strong for a small hatch. The boot offers 375 litres, expanding to 1320 litres with the rear seats folded. There is also a 70 litre front boot and more than 30 storage compartments in the cabin.
The Apex adds a more premium feel with vegan leather trim, soft touch materials, wireless charging and a six speaker sound system.
Exterior:
The E2’s design is clean and contemporary, with a closed off grille, slim LED headlamps and short overhangs. Its long wheelbase helps maximise cabin space, while the integrated rear spoiler and aerodynamic detailing should help efficiency.
The Aspire rides on 15 inch steel wheels with aero covers, while the Apex gets 16 inch alloy wheels, two tone paint, privacy glass and extra chrome detailing.
Differences between Aspire and Apex:
The Aspire focuses on value, with fabric seats, manual air conditioning, a four speaker audio system, rear camera and parking sensors, plus keyless entry and start.
The Apex adds more comfort and safety kit. It gets a power adjustable driver’s seat, ambient lighting, a 360 degree camera and a full suite of driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.
Price and warranty:
The Geely E2 Aspire costs R339 900, while the Apex is priced at R389 900.
Standard cover includes a four year or 150 000km vehicle warranty, an eight year or 200 000km battery warranty, a three year or 200 000km service plan and five years of roadside assistance. A home wallbox charger is also included, subject to finance terms and conditions.
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